KUALA LUMPUR: Employers are reminded to allow their employees to take leave for Thaipusam, which falls on Feb 11, says Steven Sim.
The Human Resources Minister said that employers are bound by the Labour Act to give their employees an off day as Thaipusam is not gazetted as a public holiday.
“We have to respect off days, including public holidays and annual leaves.
“If there are any issues that workers or employers are unclear on, go and consult the nearest labour office,” he told a press conference in the Parliament media centre on Thursday (Feb 6).
Thaipusam is a public holiday in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya and Selangor.
Sim said the ministry is ready to provide consultation services to both employers and employees on their rights and duties.
“The government is not there to punish employers or employees.
“But, everyone must adhere to provisions under the Labour Act,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sim said that his ministry will provide public services during Thaipusam at the Hindu temples in Batu Caves and at the Penang waterfall under the Kesuma Madani initiative for the second year running.
He said that special areas will be sent to accommodate 700 people in Batu Caves and 500 in Penang between 6am and 6pm on the day of the celebration.
Among the services provided include health screening, career advice booths and registration for upskilling programmes.
He added that bread and mineral water bottles will also be provided throughout the day to devotees and visitors.
